Gold Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2024
Artifact Bar
by Nelson Chow
- A' Design Award 2024 Gold Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2024
- CLIENT: HongKong Land
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 95,013
- Verification code E486CA391D · Verify this award
About Artifact Bar
Artifact is a speakeasy bar located inside BaseHall, a food hall in Central, Hong Kong. Guests enter through a secret passage with circular windows that resemble industrial pipes. An acoustic chamber lined with tiles shaped like small speakers blocks noise from the food hall outside. The main bar is defined by rib-like arches inspired by underground cisterns. The arches were cast in fiberglass sections using a three-dimensional mould, assembled on site and hand-painted with soft plaster paint. A mirrored ceiling reflects the ribs and makes the low space appear taller.
This remarkable interior by Nelson Chow represents a distinguished contribution to contemporary hospitality design, demonstrating how sculptural spatial thinking can transform a commercial venue into an immersive experiential environment, the work appears to engage with the organic modernist traditions established by mid-twentieth century designers who sought to integrate architecture with landscape and natural form, while simultaneously evoking more ancient spatial archetypes including cave dwellings and sacred processional spaces, the technical achievement evident in the seamless curved plasterwork suggests extraordinary craftsmanship and attention to material expression, with surfaces that appear to have been shaped by geological forces rather than human hands, the chromatic restraint operating within a sophisticated palette of earth tones creates visual coherence while allowing the dramatic interplay of light and shadow to provide compositional interest, one observes particularly successful passages in the transition zones where illuminated wall surfaces meet the darkened ceiling voids, creating a sense of spatial mystery and vertical aspiration, the lighting design merits special attention for its ability to transform architectural surfaces into luminous sculptural elements while maintaining appropriate intimacy for the hospitality function, thematically the space seems to explore tensions between shelter and exposure, intimacy and grandeur, the organic and the crafted, inviting contemplation of how humans create meaningful gathering spaces that satisfy deep psychological needs for enclosure and community, the work may reference both natural formations and the womb-like spaces of early modernist visionaries, how might this environment alter one's experience of time and social connection
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Guests enter through a secret passage with circular windows resembling industrial pipes. The dim lighting and concrete-textured walls create the illusion of an abandoned industrial wasteland. Pendant lights shaped like surveillance cameras add intrigue and mystery.
In the acoustic chamber, walls covered in speaker-like tiles block out noise from the bustling food hall. The clever design deceives the eye, with the repetition of tiles creating a disorienting effect. It feels like being confined inside a vessel, adding to the surreal atmosphere.
Inside the main bar, rib-like structures reminiscent of cisterns greet guests. Ambient lighting emphasizes the bold arches, creating a serene ambiance. The arches continue down to form intimate booth seatings, providing comfort and style.
The mirrored ceiling reflects the ribs, making the space feel larger and more enchanting. The skylight above the bar mimics the setting sun, contrasting with the dimly lit space. This paradox creates a surreal atmosphere, as if entering a hidden worlddefyinglogic. - Dimensions & Packaging
- The bar is around 1400 square meter.
- Tags
- speakeasy bar, bar, hong kong, interior design, bar design, surreal, bar lighting
- Production Technology
- Acoustic Chamber. Upon entering, guests are greeted by an acoustical chamber with walls covered in Artifact acoustic tiles. The design of the acoustic wall tiles in Artifact certainly adds to the overall ambiance of the speakeasy bar. The tiles are shape like mini speakers; it is a small pyramid with a flat circle top on which there are small punctures going around in circles. Not only does the tiles create a visually captivating pattern, but incorporates an element of irony that a speaker like object serves an acoustic function.
Main bar. To create the precise shape of the ribs in the main bar, a 3D mould was used. Fiberglass was then casted in sections within the mould. Once the fiberglass pieces were completed, they were transported to the site and assembled together in situ. To add a finishing touch, a soft plaster paint was meticulously hand-painted on site. - Design Challenge
- The first challenge to create a seamless transition from the busy food hall into a completely different atmosphere. To address this, an Acoustic Chamber was created with walls covered in acoustic tiles to block out the noise.
For the main dining space, the challenge was to address the low ceiling and to create something dramatic and unique in a small space. Mirror finish was used in the ceiling to reflect the ribs and creating an illusion of soaring heights. - Project Duration
- Artifact opened in April 2023 and is hidden behind a secret passage inside BaseHall, Hong Kong’s newest dining destination and luxury food hall in the heart of Central, Hong Kong. It is located in the prominent Jardine House, Hong Kong's first true skyscraper.
- Operation Flow
- n/a
- Research
- We researched underground cisterns like the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul to understand the tranquil ambiances we wanted to recreate. We also studied the works of surrealists Ernesto Neto and James Turrell for insights on crafting immersive environments. We aimed to create an installation where guests could deeply engage with their surroundings. By integrating light installations and architectural interventions, we skillfully manipulated perception, resulting in an enveloping experience.
- Inspiration
- Artifact is a speakeasy bar hidden behind a secret passage inside BaseHall, Hong Kong’s newest dining destination and luxury food hall in the heart of Central. Inspired by the rhythm and repetition of surreal geometry and the serene atmospheres found in underground cistern. Artifact is a mysterious yet alluring destination transporting the guests into a different realm. A striking contrast to the busy food hall outside, guests will find themselves in a mysterious yet alluring space, making it an unforgettable and out of this world experience.
- Image Credits
- Common Studio